Osami Mizuno was blown away by Tony Williams's overwhelming power and virtuosity, and went on to Berklee College of Music to study with legendary mentor/drummer Alan Dawson, who had taught Tony Williams. After returning to Japan he played with many musicians from various genres. While performing as a drummer, he established the Alan Dawson Drum School with the permission of Florence Dawson, in order to pass on Alan Dawson's method to younger drummers. Since then our mentor Alan Dawson gave us master classes every time he came to Japan. On September 2, 1986, the great Tony Williams gave us a special drum clinic. Subsequently, many of Osami's close friends such as Steve Smith, Harvey Mason, John Blackwell, and Billy Hart gave special master classes. On November 23, 2003, Osami held a "Tribute to Ron Spagnardi & Taku Kawai" with a special solo performance by Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez. In 2002 he established the Dawsonisms School Division based on the Alan Dawson Drum School in Japan, and in 2004 launched the Dawsonisms Label Division (now known as the Office Mizuno label). In 2005 Osami released his first solo CD, "TENMA". It received a "4 drum set" rating from Modern Drummer Magazine where they said, "Through the diversity of this album, Mizuno shows his mastery and sensitivity as a drummer."

Publications;
Alan Dawson Drum Method, Vol. 1 (Ongaku-no-Tomo Sha, 1998)
Alan Dawson Drum Method, Vol. 2 (Ongaku-no-Tomo Sha, 1999: contribution by Steve Smith)
Osami also contributed a "Rudimental Symposium" column to Modern Drummer magazine (April to July, 2001); founder & chief editor Ron Spagnardi, who was also one of Alan's students, gave him the wonderful name "Dawsonisms."
Vinnie and I first talked about making an instruction book about this Superimposed Metric Mudilation 4 years ago. And now (at last!) here it is!!

The book
"Illusions in Rhythm for Drum set"
>>click here

He has endorsed TAMA Drums, PAISTE Cymbals, and PRO-MARK Drumsticks exclusively. Also under the auspices of SHURE Microphones,

"Drummer / leader Osami Mizuno,
based in Japan, is a seriously accomplished
drummer who studied under Alan Dawson. This CD takes on a personal tone, as each composition is themed and dedicated to someone. While this approach does create a lack of consistency for the album overall, this is minor
concern when hearing the music. The compositions here mix adventurous jazz
and jazz/rock with the intereting perspective of traditional Japanese
music, which really adds something special.
As for Mizuno, swirling brushes, stately rolling cymbals, and an intense
drum solo show his talent. Through the diversity of this album, Mizuno shows
his mastery and sensitivity as a drummer."

By Martin Patmos

With this album TENMA, I have tried to create a borderless world based on
the traditions of different cultures, by collaborating with great musicians
from around the world. The various musical elements have been modified and
blended with care, in an attempt to achieve a result that is new and
different.
I hope you enjoy it.

Alan & I

Preface.
Mr. Alan Dawson will always be remembered not only for histalent, but for the skills he has taught to drummers of today.
Alan Dawson was born on July 14, 1929 in Marietta, Pennsylvania. Alan had recorded with such greats as Booker Ervin, Dave Brubeck,Lionel Hampton, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Clifford Brown,Jaki Byard, and many more. He had traveled extensively in Japan,as well as to Europe, Australia, and throughout Asia. In 1957, he started his teaching career at The Berklee College of Music and had taught for over 18 years. In 1975, Alan had injured himself by rupturing a his disc in his back and had required surgery. He had stopped his teaching career at Berkee and continued teaching from his home.
His teaching method is legendary and was considered a fruit from his actual playing experience in the field of education. By solving concerns and personal problems in drumming, which had affected almost over 70% of drummers, this was resolved by following hiscore teaching called the "Alan Dawson Technique."

When he went on concert tours in Japan, as a member of the100 Golden Fingers Concert and Great Jazz Trio, he spent his private time giving lessons. Right before departing for Japanin May 1995, he learned that he had leukemia. After a longstruggle with this disease, he died of leukemia at home onFebruary 23, 1996 at the age of 66.

It always made me wonder what made him always have thisperpetual smile. What made him always so happy and glad? Fighting through his illness for an extended period of timewith medication, he said that he kept on saying, "This could have helped Mr. Shelly Manne."

Alan taught Tony Williams, Keith Copeland, Steve Smith,Harvey Mason, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Robinson,Kenny Aronoff, and many, many others.